It was especially tough to take in 2015 when the top prize was Connor McDavid, who went to the Edmonton Oilers and won the Art Ross Trophy in each of his first two seasons as the NHL's leader in points.

This year's top player is 18-year-old Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

"Dahlin is the real deal and the clear-cut, number one, pro-ready prospect for the 2018 draft," said Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting on NHL.com.

"His play at the World Junior Championship solidified that fact. He has the skating, skills and elite hockey sense that can dictate the style of play and pace of a game whether it's with or without the puck. He finds ways to contribute and get the job done in all situations."